Mammography is an outpatient procedure, performed at the St. Joseph Hospital Breast Imaging Department.
Preparation for a digital mammogram is the same as for a standard mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends that you discuss anything new or different about your breasts with your doctor before scheduling your digital mammogram. Your doctor will also want to know your family history (especially if you or any relatives have had cancer), any surgeries you’ve had and your use of hormones.
If possible, it’s best to schedule your exam for one week after your period, especially if your breasts are tender before your period. Be sure to let your doctor or the mammography technologist know if you are, or think you might be pregnant.
The day of the exam, please:
- Do not wear deodorant, powder, perfumes or lotions under your arms, or anywhere above your waist. These products can cause spots to appear on the digital mammogram.
- Tell the mammography technologist about any problems or symptoms you’ve been having.
- If possible, bring your prior mammograms for the radiologist to compare. If your prior mammograms have been taken at the St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center, they will be on file, and we will automatically compare them with your new mammograms.
- Ask when your results will be ready. Do not assume that everything is normal if you do not hear back from your doctor.
Special care is taken to use the lowest possible x-ray dose to get the best possible picture. A specially qualified radiologic technologist will help you position your breast on a platform and then gently compress it.
You’ll be asked to hold your breath and hold still momentarily while the picture is being taken, to get the sharpest image possible. The technician may help reposition you to take several images of each breast.
You will feel pressure on your breast as it is being compressed. Let your technician know if you have significant discomfort or pain. |